Community Resources

Access Living

Access Living programs offer these core services: Information & Referral, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Transition, and Peer Counseling.

Action Behavior Centers

Action Behavior Centers offers 1:1 ABA therapy following individualized treatment plans created for each child by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). These hyper specific plans are created after a thorough Initial Intake Assessment where the BCBA will learn your child’s developmental needs, as well as parental concerns and goals. Plans are comprised of programs or “lessons” to increase replacement behaviors, teach developmentally appropriate skills, and reduce challenging behavior. The teaching modality varies and is developed through a compassionate lens with a framework built on assent. Accepts all major insurance providers.

Ada S. McKinley

Employment & community support services programs provide preparation training and employment opportunities, as well as community living options throughout Chicago for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The behavioral health & Clinical Services treat problems caused by mental illness, substance abuse, violence, or by the personal trauma of physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

America Works

America Work’s Ticket to Work Program is a free employment program that assists people who receive SSI and SSDI who are between the ages of 18-64 in finding employment.

Anixter Center

Anixter Center provides several services including: housing and residential, employment and vocational, community and day rehabilitation, behavioral health, literacy, education, and professional training.

The Answer Inc.

The Answer Inc. is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy for families in the greater Chicago area that are challenged with supporting family members with Autism & Developmental Disorders.

The Arc of Illinois

The Arc of Illinois connects individuals with disabilities and family members with several programs in the area.

Asian Human Services (AHS)

Asian Human Services works to ensure that every immigrant and refugee across Chicagoland has access to specialized support and services including: community and behavioral health counseling, skilled learning programs, and comprehensive job-related services.

Aspire

Aspire works with job seekers in our contemporary and fully equipped 10,000-square-foot facility in a wide variety of fields and professions.

Blue Bird Day

This facility offers an intensive pediatric therapy program for children ages 2 to 7 who are on the autism spectrum, as well as children with Down syndrome, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and more. Some of the services they offer include, but are not limited to, diagnostic assessments, ABA therapy, speech therapy, developmental therapy, feeding therapy, and more. Call their number to learn about cost and more information about the programs they offer.

Bradley Cameron Association

The Bradley Cameron Association (BCA) provides meaningful and enjoyable activities for young adults, ages 16-26 with sensory and physical disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

Supporting Illinois Brothers & Sisters

S.I.B.S.’ mission is to provide support to siblings of people with disabilities in Illinois by connecting them with information, networking opportunities, and resources in order to enhance the quality of life for the entire family.

Bridges from School to Work

Bridges From School to Work help more than a thousand young people–most of whom are transitioning out of high school special education–prepare for the workplace and find a job with an employer in need of qualified, entry-level applicants.

Cambiando Vidas

Cambiando Vidas (CV) began as a group for Latinx people with disabilities. As immigration moved into the political spotlight across the country, CV has evolved to include immigrants of other communities as well as Latinx folks. CV provides a critical space for immigrants with disabilities to come together, organize, and effect change. Cambiando Vidas meetings are conducted in Spanish. Interpreters are provided. For more information on CV, including meeting times and locations, contact the Latinx/Immigration Community Organizer.

Center for Disability and Elder Law

The Center for Disability and Elder law provides legal services to low income residents of Cook County, Illinois who are either elderly or who have permanent disabilities.

Center for Independent Futures

Assists individuals with disabilities with alternative community options, personal education, lifelong planning.

Central States CER Chicago

Central States SER (SER) is a workforce development and education organization that believes in the potential of every individual. Services offered include Low-Income Adult Training and Employment Program, Reimaging Retail Program, Healthcare Careers Pathway, Department of Human Services Programming, Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP), WIOA, Youth Working for Success, PODER: After school Program and Financial Coaching Service.

Cerebral Palsy Guide

The Cerebral Palsy Guide provides information, resources, assistance in finding available treatment methods, as well as assistance in finding financial help to cover the extra costs that come with raising a child with cerebral palsy.

This organization offers various services for children with autism with the goal of providing comprehensive autism care for families. Some of the services they offer are assessments, ABA therapy, therapeutic preschool and kindergarten programs, and they even offer educational workshops and hands-on trainings to parents and caregivers. They accept various insurance types and have a team of insurance specialists who help navigate your coverage and manage your benefits. Multiple insurances accepted.

The Chicago Autism Network

Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families find and afford effective autism therapy and supports. While the Chicagoland area has a wealth of autism service providers, too often families can’t access these services due to lack of information and lack of funding. They operate under the belief that autism therapy should be accessible to everyone on the spectrum regardless of income, race, neighborhood or gender.

Chicago Hearing Society

Providing communication access; hearing and assistive technologies; and support services for persons who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing.

The Chicago Lighthouse

The Chicago Lighthouse serves people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans, in order for each to reach their full personal potential. Their programs build enduring success for target populations and employees with lifelong knowledge, skills, and employment opportunities, support the discovery of new approaches for the empowerment of our communities, and sustain a social business enterprise that ensures success.

Chicago Park District Special Recreation

Chicago Park District promotes, fosters and encourages physical and mental health through athletic skills development, recreation, and social interactions for youth and adults with disabilities.

Chicagoland Autism Connection

The Chicagoland Autism Connection (CAC) is an organization whose mission is to increase autism awareness and improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism.

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA)

Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s Adult Education Program provides free education to adult immigrants and refugees in both our Chicago and Elgin locations. They offer free English as a Second Language (ESL), civics, citizenship, healthcare bridge, and computer literacy classes as well as individual ESL tutoring.

Christian Community Health Center

Christian Community Health Services offers a full array of special services for individuals and families, including bilingual families. Services include: HIV/AIDS testing and care, behavioral health/mental health, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, housing and shelter services, case management, and holistic care.

Colorful Minds ABA

This organization specializes in play-based ABA therapy for children with autism. They provide individualized care to families with the goal of providing children with autism a fun environment in which they can learn social skills, improve their communication, and build their independence. They accept most forms of insurance including Medicaid.

Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU)

Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) provides services for people who are coping with long and short term disabling conditions. They serve as the Pre-Admission Screener (PAS) /Intermediate Service Coordination (ISC) Agency for students who qualify for the PUNS program. CAU works with students who live north of Roosevelt Road.

Community Assistance Programs (CAPs)

The Community Assistance Programs works with employers and employees to create strong community workforces.

Community & Residential Services Authority (CRSA)

Community & Residential Services Authority (CRSA) are responsible for addressing barriers facing parents, professionals and providers when trying to get needed services for youth with a behavior or severe emotional disturbance. CRSA mission is to promote a network of resources for Illinois youth with social and emotional health conditions to receive timely and appropriate access to the services they deserve.

Community Service Options (CSO)

Community Service Options (CSO) provides services for people who are coping with long and short term disabling conditions. Serves as the Pre-Admission Screener (PAS)/ Intermediate Service Coordination (ISC) Agency for students who qualify for the PUNS program. CSO works with students who live south of Roosevelt Road.

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning assists adults and youth to obtain a college degree based on skills and job experience.

IL Department of Human Services: Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

The Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. DRS can provide services for adults with disabilities up until an adult is 65 years of age.

El Valor

El Valor is committed to assisting and supporting people with disabilities through programs that emphasize personal choice, employment, inclusion, enrichment, and leadership. Services include: accessible technology, employment, developmental training, residential community housing, home-based care, respite, and case management.

Envision Unlimited

Envision Unlimited provides individualized services in the areas of: day programming, employment, and community living.

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

The Epilepsy Foundation helps people with epilepsy through counseling, advocacy, and educational services.

Equip for Equality

Equip for Equality aims to protect the civil and human rights of people with disabilities, through five strategies including: self-advocacy assistance, legal services, public policy, training and monitoring.

Every Step of the Way (ESW) Resource Center

Every Step of the Way Resource Center provides comprehensive resources and/or referrals to recreation, education, health, social & daily living skills, and behavioral intervention to adults with mild to profound, intellectual disabilities ages 20 & up.

Family Guidance Centers, Inc.

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. provides adult and adolescent programming to treat those patients having a dual diagnosis (substance use and mental health) as well as other substance use-related needs. Patients receive comprehensive mental health assessments and if warranted, a psychiatric assessment to determine if psychotropic medication is needed.

Family Resource Center on Disability (Shirley Ryan Abilitylab)

The Family Resource Center on Disability (Shirley Ryan AbilityLab) was created by parents, professionals, and volunteers to provide the following services: information & referrals, transition, special education rights training, and lists of evaluation centers that can perform educational/vocational evaluations.

Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

A private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders through support, education, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1958, the organization has become a strong voice and source of services in the Midwest for parents and professionals seeking help for children impacted by hearing and communication disorders. For more than six decades, FHSR has been instrumental in backing essential requirements such as early intervention, medical care, educational resources, and support services.

Goodwill Industries

Goodwill industries supports people with disabilities in preparing them for careers and getting the supportive services they need in order to be successful.

Great Lakes ADA Center

The Great Lakes ADA Center provides information, problem solving assistance and referrals for implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other related laws. Learn more about the ADA and Accessible IT through the following programs and services: Webinars, Great Lakes Listserv, Great Lakes Mailing List, Publications, Technical Assistance, and Trainings.

Grupo SALTO

Grupo Salto is a support group for Latino families with children with disabilities.

IL ABLE Achieving a Better Life Experience

IL ABLE Accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability while preserving benefits.

Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)

Illinois Assistive Technology Program’s (IATP) mission is to increase access to and the acquisition of Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities. IATP provides AT information and services in the areas of education, employment, community living, and IT/telecommunications.

I.C.R.E- Roosevelt

The ICRE-Roosevelt STEPS to Successful Living is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary transition program for individuals with severe physical challenges, which leads to successful living in the community of their choice.

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission safeguards the rights of persons with disabilities by providing public guardianship services, legal representation, and a process to investigate alleged disability rights violations. IGAC ensures access to necessary guardianship and advocacy services for Illinois’ citizens with disabilities.

Illinois Life Span

Illinois Life Span (ILS) is a program of The Arc of Illinois – a statewide advocacy organization committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.

Illinois Resource Service Center

Providing behavior support for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. Services include onsite coaching visits at school or home and training for educators and parents.

Independent Client Assistance Program

Self-advocacy support, information, and legal help for people with disabilities so they can understand their rights and get help from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) or a Center for Independent Living (CIL). CAP is a free program for vocational rehabilitation service only, not for DRS home services.

JCFS Chicago

CFS Chicago offers a full calendar of events, training, lectures and presentations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, and other programs each month. JCFS also provides employment support for young adults with disabilities.

JVS Chicago

JVS Chicago works with individuals with disabilities to create individualized career plans, enhance job searching skills, match job seekers to job opportunities, and offer job coaching where needed.

KEEN Chicago

KEEN's mission is to empower youth with disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants. Programs are all open and unstructured, providing all athletes the opportunity to have fun and be successful. KEEN programs are open to all youth ages 5-21 with physical or developmental disabilities. Certain programs are for select age groups only. Programs are: Absolutely Free, Volunteer-Run, Age Appropriate & Non-Competitive, Open, Unstructured and Flexible, Tailored for Each Athlete's Needs, and Inclusive, Regardless of Severity of Disabilities.

Latinos Progresando

Latinos Progresando provides professional, affordable immigration legal services to thousands of families every year, from more than 40 countries around the world.

Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities

MOPD promotes total access, full participation and equal opportunity for people with disabilities of all ages in all aspects of life. Services include: employment, benefits specialists, transportation/parking, emergency preparedness, and youth services.

Mental Health America of Illinois

Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI), promotes mental health, prevents mental disease and improves the care and treatment of those suffering from mental and emotional disorders through public policy and advocacy, the Mental Health Summit, and community educational workshops.

Metropolitan Family Services

Metropolitan Family Services supports economic stability, education, emotional wellness, and empowerment for people with disabilities.

Misericordia (Catholic Charities)

Misericordia provides services including: health & wellness programs, employment services, and residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

My Employment Options

Employment Options is a national Social Security Administration (SSA) Employment Network in the Ticket To Work program.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups that are peer-led support groups for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Support groups are offered in both English and Spanish.

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)

National Immigrant Justice Center protects human rights and provides access to justice for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Parent United for Responsible Education (PURE)

Parent United for Responsible Education (PURE) is a parent advocacy group based in Chicago. PURE’s support group and website provides news, analysis, information and resources for parents, local school councils, and anyone else who is interested in improving public schools for all children.

The Place for Children with Autism

The Place for Children with Autism provides autism therapy in a daycare- or preschool-like environment. With several ABA therapy centers in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois, they are dedicated to making high-quality autism therapy accessible for all families. Known for compassion and clinical excellence, their centers provide full-day care for children with autism ages 2-6. They work with all major commercial insurance plans, most of which cover autism services like ABA therapy. However, coverage may vary by plan. Contact them, and they will help navigate the benefits process, including checking coverage at no cost.

Project Org + Design Studio, Inc.

PODS is a full service, community based, inclusive therapeutic program serving children from birth to 13 years of age. They focus on increasing the child/youth’s functional skills within their school, own home and community. Services offered include: ABA Programming, School Services, Comprehensive Therapy, and Early Intervention.

Regional Transit Association Chicago (RTA)

The Regional Transit Association (RTA) offers programs for travel training, the RTA free rider fare card, and the RTA reduced fare card.

Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays

The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delays. RCADD serves families currently enrolled in an Early Head Start or Head Start program as well as others throughout the Chicagoland area. RCADD offers support at no cost to our patrons in the form of resources, referrals, training and ongoing consultations for families and professionals.

UCP Seguin Services

UCP Seguin provides supports and services for persons with disabilities including: residential, in-home respite, weekend respite, community employment, and life skills training & enrichment.

Sertoma Center

The Sertoma Center provides opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal success. Services include: day programs, home-based, residential, community mental health & counseling, employment, business, and permanent supportive housing.

Shore Community Services

Shore Community Services offers services to individuals with intellectual an other developmental disabilities in Skokie, Morton Grove, Evanston, and the north side of Chicago. Services include: community day programs, supported employment, early intervention, and residential services.

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can pay disability benefits to people who cannot work because of a medical condition. Applications for SSI/SSDI can be done with the support of the local SSA office (appointment usually required).

Stride Autism Centers

The Stride program offers full-day ABA programs for children ages 2-6. Each day consists of both structured one-on-one therapy and naturalistic group activities. One-on-one therapy focuses on individualized goals related to self-care, communication, problematic behavior reduction, and more. Naturalistic group activities focus on play and social interactions, which are critical for school readiness, adolescent development, and adulthood. Group activities offer opportunities for children to socialize with their peers and are uniquely possible within a center-based environment. Every child at Stride has a highly customized program developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and overseen by a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Multiple insurances accepted.

Summer Camps for All Ages & Abilities

The UIC Division of Specialized Care For Children 2025 summer camp list for youth of all ages with special healthcare needs. Located throughout Illinois and beyond, these camps offer opportunities for fun, making friends and developing new skills.

Teamwork Englewood

Teamwork Englewood works to improve the quality of life of residents in Englewood, by facilitating economic, educational, and social opportunities. Teamwork Englewood offers seasonal programs, as well as, permanent programming. Permanent programs include: Quality of Life, Reentry Resource Center, African American Male Initiative, Englewood Codes.

Thresholds

Thresholds provides healthcare, housing, and hope for thousands of persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois each year. Through care, employment, advocacy, and housing, Thresholds assists and inspires people with mental illnesses to reclaim their lives.

Trilogy

Trilogy Inc. serves persons with serious mental illness in the City of Chicago. Services include: employment, residential , psychiatric, intensive crisis, substance abuse, integrated healthcare, HOPE first, recovery, and outpatient.

UCAN

UCAN’s serves youth in care of the state child welfare system and youth who have been removed from their homes for reasons of abuse or neglect. Services include: positive youth development, advocacy, and diversity & inclusion.

UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children

The Division of Specialized Care for Children can support with the following: accessing diagnostic tests, finding resources & information, preparing for transition, finding specialized medical care, developing a care coordination plan, paying for certain medical expenses, using insurance & All Kids/Medicaid, and communicating with doctors, specialists, and schools.

Urban Autism Solutions

Urban Autism Solutions utilizes integrated community living to advance social and vocational opportunities.

YMCA

YMCA offers camp opportunities, group retreats, fitness/wellness programs, community services and arts programs.